Over 600,000 Kia, Hyundai Vehicle Owners Affected By New Recall

Hyundai (HYMTF) and Kia have issued a recall for over 640,000 vehicles that were sold in the U.S. and Canada because they could leak brake fluid, which could potentially cause a fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall affects 283,803 of the 2013-15 Kia Optima sedans, 156,567 of the 2014-15 Kia Sorento crossovers, and 151,205 of the 2013-15 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport crossovers. In addition, 52,000 of the 2013-15 Santa Fe Sport crossovers were reportedly recalled in Canada.

The vehicles were manufactured at Kia Motors manufacturing plant in Georgia between the dates of June 12, 2013, to Oct. 2, 2015.

The problem with the vehicles stems from a supplier quality issue that could cause brake fluid to leak inside the hydraulic electronic control unit. Over time, this could cause an electrical short, which may increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.

Vehicle owners may be notified of the issue if the malfunction indicator lamp or anti-lock braking system indicators illuminate. Drivers may also notice a burning or melting smell or see smoke coming from the engine compartment.

The automakers said it will notify vehicle owners by mail, starting on Oct. 15. Affected vehicles will have the hydraulic electronic control unit inspected by a dealer to determine if it is leaking brake fluid. If brake fluid is leaking, the hydraulic electronic control unit will be replaced with another supplier’s component.

Owners that have already repaired the issue will be reimbursed by Hyundai or Kia for expenses incurred to fix the hydraulic electronic control unit leak problem.

Questions about the recall can be directed to Hyundai at (800) 633-5151 or Kia at (800) 333-4542.